We know. Everyone’s in such a hurry to get where they’re going these days. The good news? Athens new-look airport ranks among the most enjoyable in Europe. Since the airport’s radical overhaul in mid-2017, you can now breeze through security first, leaving you free to browse, buy and consume in a more relaxed headspace before your flight.
In the two main departure halls (Schengen, for travellers within most European countries, and Non-Schengen if you’re travelling to other European cities, long-haul or to destinations within the Middle East and Africa) you’ll find streamlined walks inspired by classical Greece. There are platies (communal squares) where you can decompress, and shopping stoas (arcades) where global brands share space with local gourmet products, sophisticated souvenirs and in-demand Greek fashion. The idea is to allow passengers to explore local designs, tastes and trends – and participate in some last-minute cultural encounters—in a fluid, modern space.
Nutty delights and more at Airth cafe.
Photo: Thomas Gravanis
Caffeine Calling?
If you’re anything like us, caffeine will be top priority. Head to Airth Coffee + Nuts, an inviting alcove in the Schengen Hall that’s part-emporium, part café (look for the donkey statue). The lighting is gentle, the coffee great, and there are tempting handmade chocolates, local nuts and dried fruit; handy for in-flight snacks or gifts (if they last that long). For non-coffee drinkers, the home-brewed lemonade with ginger is a treat. V Coffee + Bites in the Departures free-access zone is another top spot to re-caffeinate and sample Greek-style morsels.
Top tip: Want some fresh air? Enjoy your coffee or freshly-made pastries at Venetis at Departures Curbside.
Shop it Up
Hunting for the perfect memento, that spot-on gift, or simply can’t resist an impulse buy? You’ve got the time and Athens airport surely has the goods.
Sundried Spartan goodness from Bistrot Attica Athens.
Photo: Thomas Gravanis
For Foodies
Transport your favourite Greek flavours back home with Hellenic Gourmet. Select from traditional cheeses and sweets, premium olive oils and honeys, classic Greek spirits like ouzo from Lesvos or mastiha from Chios. Terkenlis Patisserie (there’s also an outlet in Arrivals) is your go-to for sweet treats from Asia Minor like buttery tsoureki (braided brioche). At Bistrot Attica Athens, an open market eatery that champions local producers, pick up jars of organic tomatoes from Sparta, craft beer from Corfu, or pistachio pesto from Aegina.
For Fashionistas
From high street to high end, the Schengen shopping arcade covers all budgets. You’ll find global brands like Victoria’s Secret, Massimo Dutti, Armani Exchange, Michael Kors and Vilebrequin - Lapin, as well as edgier boutiques like Pinko.
If it’s a Greek label you seek, hit up The Greek Designers Store, a medley of hot Greek fashion brands like Ioanna Kourbela, A-Z Greek, Thalassa, Ancient Greek Sandals and Sun of a Beach.
Top tip: Stock up on top notch Greek cosmetics with evocative Mediterranean scents at Korres.
The Non-Schengen arcade has a more high-end blend, including Salvatore Ferragamo, MontBlanc, See by Chloé and Polo Ralph Lauren, and you’ll find MCM there too.
Photo: Thomas Gravanis
Pick up an artful owl - the symbol of Athens - during your Athens airport layover.
Photo: Thomas Gravanis
For Souvenir Seekers
Pick up cultured curios from Artpoint, including museum replicas and brass bracelets inspired by ancient Greek coins. The fantastic All Greek to Me concept store (located in both Schengen and non-Schengen areas) stocks everything from velvet kaftans to Cycladic figurines and olive wood homewares. For a playful spin on quintessentially Greek icons - think deconstructed Greek salads on table runners - check out Anamnesia in the Departures area, which is accessible to all airport visitors. You’ll tick off your entire gift list and come away with feel-good trinkets you never knew you needed (hello, sea anemone mouse mat). Terrific for gifts of a more sensual nature is Greek beauty brand Apivita, made with indigenous plant extracts and bee products.
Top tip: For a more relaxed duty free shopping experience, head for the less crowded Last Minute Duty Free spaces near the departure gates.
Keep the Kids Happy
Dose up on some culture (you’re still in Athens, after all) at the interactive Eleftherios Venizelos exhibit, on the second-floor Observation Deck (accessible to all visitors). Plant your feet on the motion-sensors to learn about the “maker of modern Greece” and the airport’s namesake.
Next door at the mini-museum, discover ancient relics unearthed during the airport excavation, including early Bronze Age arrowheads and jewels from 500 BC.
Finally, check out the temporary exhibition space next to the museum, which showcases local artists and more.
Top tip: One last culture fix awaits at the downstairs departure gates. Point your smart phone at the QR codes on the photographs of Athenian streetscapes to bring the images to life.
Admire ancient relics that once lay beneath your feet at the airport's mini-museum.
Photo: Thomas Gravanis
Make a Meal of It
Just because you’re at an airport doesn’t mean you can’t keep that holiday vibe alive. Enjoy a leisurely meal at La Pasteria, which does cut-above pizza and pasta paired with some decent wines. Overlooking the runway on the Observation Deck, it’s the perfect perch for plane-spotters. For authentic Greek grub, such as cumin meatballs, chicken gyros or lamb kleftiko opt for EatGreekKouzina in the main Schengen food court, accessible to all departing passengers. When burger cravings strike, you can visit the new Burger King on the second floor in Departures Free Access Area and taste the famous WHOPPER®. In the Non Schengen Area, the stylish new Ergon restaurant (gourmands may have clocked their fantastic foodie hotel downtown) tempts with a broad spectrum of artisanal Greek products and dishes made exclusively from them.
Photo: Thomas Gravanis
Raise your Spirits
Enjoy a glass of local wine from the Tsantali estate at Bistrot Attica Athens bar (it’s always wine o’clock somewhere in the world). Treat yourself to a mani-pedi or other beautifying session at Fairynails. Arm yourself with some in-flight entertainment at Public or WHSmith (parents can barter for their child’s best behaviour at The Cartoon Store). Or elevate your spirits at the lovely Greek Orthodox chapel on the Observation Deck — a welcoming recess with a domed ceiling and colourful frescoes of Christian saints. All religions can access an “Interfaith Worship” area located opposite.
Arrivals Hall
Don’t just grab your bags and go. There are many handy features at the Arrivals Hall to help smooth your stay in Athens. Pick up emergency staples like fresh fruit, bread and milk at the Pantopoleio mini-market. Stock up on sunscreen, Greek cosmetics, and insect repellent at the chemist. Or send bored teens to park themselves at the e-Lounge, a free-of-charge space with browsing terminals and outlets for plug-in devices. You can also use the e-lounge to print out your boarding pass or fill out last-minute visa waiver documents (to the US and Canada). Want to old-school it and send a postcard back home? There’s a post-office too. Plus 24-hour baggage storage if you want to ditch your luggage for a spell or make a quick trip to one of the nearby attractions such as the Attica Zoological Park or Athens Riviera.
Top tip: Need help planning your Athens itinerary or some insider advice on making the most of the city? Stop in at the City of Athens Info Point in the Arrivals Hall, open all year-round, from 8.00-20.00 daily.
More information about the Athens International Airport here.
Photo: Thomas Gravanis
A duty free shopping hall at Athens International Airport.
Photo: Thomas Gravanis
Finding your way Around Athens International Airport
Think of Athens Airport as two different terminals under the same roof:
The Schengen Area is for passengers travelling within Greece or any of the 26 European countries where passport controls are not required. The Non-Schengen Area is for all other departing passengers, who must pass through passport control. Both areas have their own separate shopping arcades, duty free, and food and drink facilities.
There is also a revamped Satellite Terminal Building, catering mostly for budget airline carriers. It’s reached via a 700m underground corridor from the main terminal building and has duty free, shopping and dining venues.
Who can Go Where?
Connectivity is key to the new-look Athens airport. Anyone who visits the airport, whether flying or not, can access both the Arrivals Level and the shops and eateries in the public Departures Level (before the security gates). This also includes the second-floor Observation Deck which has restaurants, cultural exhibitions and family facilities.
Non-Schengen passengers can enter the Schengen Area by showing their boarding passes to use the shopping and dining facilities. Schengen passengers cannot access the Non-Schengen Area.
The Observation Deck is open to all at the Athens airport.
Photo: Thomas Gravanis